Sunday 08 / September / 2024
Muscat: A group of dancers based in Oman are all set to take part World Hip Hop International competition in United States next week.
The Kings United Muscat team, a dynamic and highly skilled dance troupe, consisting of six young talents (Tejaswini Sakhile, Shihan Shetty, Shubhra Buranpur, Jhanvi Prakash, Shaurya Sonawane and Veer Gupta), will take part on the global stage at the World Hip Hop International (HHI) competition.
The prestigious event will take place from August 4 to 9, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, drawing top hip-hop dance performers from around the world.
Historic opportunity
This marks another milestone for Kings United Muscat, as it is their first opportunity to compete at the junior level at the HHI, often dubbed the “Olympics of Hip Hop Dance.”
The team has been diligently preparing for this moment, perfecting their routines and pushing their physical limits to ensure they can compete with the best in the world. However, the first appearance of Kings United Muscat to world dance championships happened in 2022 when the group of 9 young performers participated in one of the toughest dance competition.
Out of 62 countries which were participating in the varsity category, Kings United Oman stood 32nd in the world ranking, which itself is an amazing achievement, says Tejas Gupta, the director of Kings United Dance Academy Muscat.
Kings United Muscat was formed in 2018 by a group of passionate dancers who shared a common dream of showcasing their talents on international platforms. Over the years, the team has grown in skill and reputation, winning numerous regional competitions and earning a spot in the global event through their consistent performance and dedication to the art of hip hop dance.
Training and preparation
The team’s journey to HHI has been filled with rigorous training sessions, choreographic innovation, and mental fortitude. Under the guidance of their experienced coach Prashant Shinde, Kings United Muscat has developed a unique style that blends traditional cultural elements with modern hip hop, creating a fusion that sets them apart from their competitors.
Prashant Shinde has been part of multiple HHI editions and won a bronze medal in 2015 edition for India. He was also a proud member of “World of Dance” in Los Angeles where Kinds United Team won gold medal by coming first and won a $1 million prize for the team Kings India under the mentorship of Suresh Mukund, the founder of Kings United.
“We have been working tirelessly, training 7 days a week for the past year,” said Prashant, adding: “Our goal is not just to participate, but to leave a lasting impression.”
Global competition
The World Hip Hop International competition is known for its high standards and fierce competition. Teams from over 60+ countries will converge in Phoenix to compete in various categories, including MegaCrew, Varsity, Junior, and Adult divisions. Kings United Muscat will be competing in the Junior division, where they will face some of the most elite dance crews in the world.
The journey to Phoenix has been supported by a strong backing and generous support from the parents of all the performers who are involved along with their kids for tough practice from 10 am to 11 pm. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from everyone,” said team captain Nadeem Al Balushi, the sponsor and partner of Kings United. “It has been overwhelming, and it motivates us to give our best performance on the international stage.”
“We are ready to give it our all,” said Nadeem Al Balushi. “This is a dream come true for us, and we are determined to make every dancer proud.”
The World Hip Hop International competition promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and dance lovers from the region. Their participation is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the growing hip hop culture. As they prepare to take the stage in Phoenix, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation, ready to make their mark on the world.
